Lapsit Story Time Plan

When I first joined Youth Services I did not picture doing a story time for babies, and indeed many people asked me what the point even was of having story time for infants. I'll admit to going into "Baby Bookworm" quite blindly and having a large learning curve that first month. But with the help of a co-worker who had already developed an excellent story time for babies, and the help of numerous librarian's blogs, I soon had developed a basic outline that I was pleased with.

Introduction Song- it is also nice to have music playing, such as a Baby Mozart CD as the caregivers and babies come in.

Book #1- board books and simple picture books with large illustrations and simple repetitive text are best. I like Nancy Tafuri, Lauren Thompson, Karen Katz and Sandra Boynton.

Nursery Rhyme Finger Plays- I usually do about 3 fingerplays a story time, such as Itsy Bitsy Spider, Pat-A-Cake or Row Row Row Your Boat.

Book #2

Bouncing Rhymes and Stretches- At this point I switch on the music to go along with the movements. I recommend Mary Lee's "Baby-O". Encourage the caregivers to keep baby on their lap and to sing along with the songs. I hold a baby doll so they can mimic my movements, whether it is bouncing or leaning baby to the side.

Closing Song- I've used "When Ducks Get Up in the Morning" and go around with the different puppets before we start play time.

Play Time- After about 20 minutes of structured story time the babies are ready to crawl around and this is a great opportunity for the new moms and caregivers to socialize and compare notes, something they really appreciate.

Many of the blogs I looked at when I was getting ideas had pictures of cute flannel boards to use with this age group, and I eagerly made several. In the end, however, I did not have much luck with presenting the flannel boards. The moms' and babies' attention seemed to wander. The exception was doing the five little ducks while singing the song. If you do a flannel board I would suggest making it very short. It is also difficult to do themes with babies. It is more important to keep the rhymes and songs consistent. But, I have been able to introduce holidays and seasons through my book selections. For example using a board book such as "Mouse's First Fall."

It is important to set a routine with your baby story time. Your moms and babies will learn the rhymes and songs through repetition. Also, encourage your attendees to practice the songs at home and read board books to their child, which will enforce what is gone over in story time and stregthen their early literacy skills.

Above all, flexibility is the most important aspect of doing a baby story time. Be clear on your rules and expectations: I ask caregivers to turn their cell phones to silent, hold their conversations to play time and keep their child within arms reach during the story time, but still be prepared to go with the flow. I have had to cut a book short or end a song or two short of where I planned to because the babies were particulary fussy that day. I've been spit up on and had my shoes chewed. Baby story time will be crazy sometimes but it is incredibly rewarding and fun.

I will be posting more specifics on books I've used, and rhyme and song lyrics later.